BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Ten-year-old Eli Brantley Greer does more than refuse to let an obstacle slow him down.
He runs past it.
With one hand, the Eden Elementary student has dominated defenses as a running back, earned Most Valuable Player honors in basketball, helped his team capture a county championship, and raced his dirt bike to several podium finishes.
Those accomplishments would stand out on any young athlete’s résumé. Greer’s journey makes them even more remarkable.
Whether he is attacking the basket, carrying the rock through a group of defenders or navigating a motocross track, Greer competes with confidence, determination and genuine athletic ability. He does not simply participate in the sports he loves; he competes. He excels.
His story began with an unexpected medical emergency.
Greer’s mother, Breanna Greer, experienced no known complications during her pregnancy. It was not until Greer’s delivery that medical providers realized something wasn’t typical.
“At the time of my cesarean delivery, the OB provider noticed that Greer’s skin tissue appeared compromised and began sloughing,” Breanna Greer said.
Greer was immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit and diagnosed with an axillary arterial thrombus in his left upper extremity. He was soon airlifted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where he received IV heparin treatment to dissolve the blood clot.
Although the clot dissolved quickly, it had already caused significant tissue damage. Doctors amputated all five fingers on Greer’s left hand and removed the damaged tissue. The clot also affected the growth plate in his left arm.
Since birth, Greer has undergone several skin and flap grafting procedures.
For Breanna Greer and her husband, Eddie Greer, the first days of their son’s life brought fear and uncertainty. Amid those emotions, however, the family found comfort in Greer’s overall health.
“Experiencing this with our firstborn was worrisome and overwhelming at the time of his birth,” Breanna Greer said. “However, we were also incredibly grateful that Greer had no other health concerns and was a healthy, thriving baby boy who was deeply loved from the beginning.”
Doctors at Cabell Huntington Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital described the clot as a “freak accident” that likely originated in the placenta while Greer was in the womb. Tests showed no blood disorders or genetic conditions.
As Greer grew, his family quickly discovered that he possessed a drive that could not be measured by his physical circumstances.
“Eli has never allowed his limb difference to slow him down,” Breanna Greer said. “He has always had immense motivation, even as a toddler, to tackle what he wants to accomplish.”
That determination has helped Greer become a force in football, basketball and dirt bike racing.
Last fall, he rushed for more than 200 yards as a running back in youth football. Greer carried the ball with one arm while powering through defenders and making an impact for his team.
He was just as impressive on the hardwood.
Greer earned MVP honors at the Williamson Fieldhouse C Team Tournament and played a vital role in Eden Elementary’s win in the C Team County Championship.
While he has found success in multiple sports, one currently stands above the rest for him.
“My favorite sport right now is basketball,” Greer said. “I played padded football last fall but am focusing now on basketball this year because I also enjoy racing dirt bikes with my dad and little brother.”
His talents are not limited to traditional school sports.
Greer races dirt bikes alongside Eddie Greer, who grew up in the sport, and his younger brother. Sponsored by YPK Motorsports, Greer has reached the podium several times during the racing season.
For Eddie Greer, introducing his son to racing was about passing down a passion and making sure he never felt excluded from an experience other children could enjoy.
“I grew up racing and I never wanted to tell Eli he couldn’t do something,” Eddie Greer said. “I wanted to let him do the same things that I did as a kid, even if that means changing dynamics about a dirt bike to get it to work for him.”
Finding a setup that allowed Greer to ride safely and comfortably took persistence from the entire family. The Greers traveled out of state and tested various prosthetic options, but none met Greer’s needs.
“We had traveled to Ohio for prosthetic devices for the bike and nothing seemed to work,” Eddie Greer said. “So, we came up with something out of our own shop and finally got him comfortable on the bike.”
Eddie Greer moved the clutch to the right side of his son’s Kawasaki 65 and constructed a prosthetic device that helps him hold onto the handle.
The modified bike is one example of how Greer and his family approach challenges. Rather than focusing on why something may be difficult, they concentrate on finding a solution.
“I have had to learn how to do many things differently, but I usually find a way to make it work with the support from my family,” Greer said.
The family’s time at the track has become about far more than racing results. It gives Eddie Greer and his sons an opportunity to share experiences, support one another and create memories.
“We just want him to have the same opportunities as any other kid and what I had growing up,” Eddie Greer said. “The moto weekends are definitely a positive family bonding experience.”
Greer has also looked to others for ideas and encouragement. Seeing how they approach everyday activities and athletic challenges has helped him develop his own methods.
“I have learned a lot by watching other limb-different kids and adults on YouTube who share their experiences too,” Greer said.
Now, Greer is becoming that example for someone else.
A child watching him break free on the football field, contribute to a championship basketball team or race across the finish line can see that you can do anything you set your mind to.
“One thing I’m really proud of myself for is working hard,” Greer said. “Whether it’s school, sports, moto, learning something new, I always push myself to practice and improve so I can achieve good results.”
The same work ethic that has helped Greer flourish in competition carries into other parts of his life. Breanna Greer said his accomplishments are only one part of what makes her son special.
“Eli enjoys racing dirt bikes, and is a very talented athlete,” she said. “Eli is also fun-loving, witty, kind, caring, smart and very hardworking.”
To his family, Greer is a beloved son, brother, student and teammate whose personality shines just as brightly as his talent.
“He has brought immense joy and pride to our family and we hope others see him the way that we do – as an incredible young boy who continues to inspire those around him,” Breanna Greer said.
Eddie Greer hopes his son’s story encourages people to look beyond perceived limitations and recognize the possibilities that remain.
“I hope people understand that you can have a disability in life but can still work towards achieving anything,” Eddie Greer said. “Just because you may do it differently doesn’t mean you can’t do it.”
At only 10 years old, Greer has already shown what can happen when talent is combined with hard work, family support and the courage to keep trying.
He does not pretend every obstacle is easy. He refuses to let one decide what he can become.
His advice to other children reflects the mindset he carries onto the court, field and track.
“If I could encourage another kid facing an obstacle, I would tell them never to give up,” Greer said. “Keep pushing forward, surround yourself with a good support system, and let failures fuel your motivation to do better next time.”